7 Things I've learnt from a 5 year relationship

Yep, it's the big half a decade anniversary today. Me and my partner have (somehow?) been together for five years as of today. So, instead of doing a super outdated post on some LUSH picks that aren't even festive, I thought I'd reflect on what I've learnt from being in a long term relationship.
1.) You can't force someone to like what you like. As much as I'd love my boyfriend to ask to watch Disney films all weekend, it's never going to happen. Equally I'm sure he'd be pretty impressed if I got to grips with the idea of watching football for fun. People have their own interests, and you can't force your partner to enjoy something that they just don't like doing. 
2.) I'd not have got through the past few years without my rock by my side. From final year uni exams, to the death of family members and the break-up of my parents, to name just a few things, it's been a fucking rough few years for me. I don't know how I would have gotten through on my own.
3.) You'll get to know the ins and outs of both of your strengths and weaknesses. I suck at directions, but I am fully versed on the etiquette of thermostats and timing the heating to come on, whilst my boyfriend sucks at remembering to arrange appointments, but is a pretty darn good driver. Allocate chores and deal with life according to your strengths: it makes things SO much easier. 
4.) There's nothing more comforting than knowing you're not going to be home alone. I feel so lucky to have never lived on my own. I know it'd be awful for my mental health: I need someone around to keep me from heading downhill. It's simply lovely to know that someone's there (most of the time) when you come in from work, or after a dinner with the girls.
5.) You can't change someone. I'm a firm believer that people can (and do) change, but you can't force them to. If they love eating mushrooms and you hate the slimy little bastards, that's not going to change by force. On a more serious note, the whole Beauty and the Beast transformation really isn't a thing that happens.
6.) Things will get shitty at points, but if it's worth it, you'll make the relationship work. News flash: things aren't always fab. We've had our fair share of massive rows, almost break-ups and pointless nit-picking at each other. But if you want to save the relationship you'll change things, resolve issues and come back better than ever.
7.) Most of all, I've learnt how to love and be loved. Sharing and giving is all part of the relationship thing. I'm still working on sharing food because bitch no one touches my meal, but I've learnt to share my life, my pets, and my worries. Almost forgot: I've totally learnt how to share my germs when I get ill too.
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